Explore Oklahoma City's elevation—resting at 1,201 feet, this centrally located capital blends frontier roots with modern energy, rising from historic plains to a vibrant urban hub.

Table of Contents

Where is Oklahoma City?

  • Location: Oklahoma City is in central Oklahoma, within Oklahoma County.
  • Area: Spans around 620.34 square miles.

City Profile

  • Population: Home to approximately 643,000 residents; over 1.3 million in the metro area.
  • Size rank: 27th most populous city in the U.S.
  • Nickname: Known for its livestock industry and impressive skyline.
  • Time zone: Located in the Central Time Zone.

Elevation Basics

  • Elevation: Oklahoma City sits at 1,201 feet (366 m) above sea level.
  • City founding: Established during the Oklahoma Land Rush of April 1889.
  • Growth story: Quickly boomed to become Oklahoma's capital thanks to Route 66, oil, and livestock industries.
  • Modern evolution: Underwent downtown revitalization in the 1990s with parks, libraries, and sports venues.

Must-Know Elevation Facts

  • What is elevation? Measures how high or low a place is compared to sea level.
  • Comparison to state average: Oklahoma’s mean elevation is 1,300 feet (400 m), so OKC is slightly below average.
  • Highest point in state: Black Mesa – 4,975 feet (1,516 m)
  • Lowest point: Little River – 289 feet (88 m)
  • Highest town: Kenton – 4,330 feet (1,320 m)
  • Major Oklahoma city elevations:
    • Tulsa: 722 feet (194 m)
    • Norman: 1,171 feet (357 m)
    • Broken Arrow: 755 feet (230 m)
  • Elevation rank: Oklahoma City is higher than most major cities in the state.

Climate and Tourism

  • Climate: Humid subtropical—hot, rainy summers and cool winters.
  • Temperature range:
    • July: Hottest month, average 83°F (28°C)
    • January: Coldest month, average 39°F (4°C)
  • Weather risks: Susceptible to tornadoes, flash floods, and droughts.
  • Popular attractions:
  • Must-see museums:
    • Science Museum Oklahoma
    • Oklahoma City Museum of Art
    • National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Map:

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